YACK LAB

We study animal sensory systems and communication, with a focus on insect bioacoustics. Our research addresses three main questions:

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1) How do insects sense and generate sounds and vibrations?

 

2) What are the functions of acoustic communication?

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3) How do ears and communication

signals evolve?

 

In our neuroethology lab we use a variety of methods and techniques to form an integrated view of animal behaviour and communication.  Some such methods and techniques include audio recording and analysis, laser vibrometry, neurophysiology, high-speed video, phylogenetics, microscopy, and behavioural genetics.  We work primarily with the insect orders Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, caterpillars) and Coleoptera (mostly bark beetles), but also have ongoing projects studying earthworms, birds, spiders, and bats.